Main Course

Frankie Chicken (Mumbai-Style Chicken Wraps)

Original name: Frankie Chicken

A platter of frankie chicken wraps cut in half, showing layers of chicken, onions, and chutney inside a golden-brown paratha
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
IndianIntermediateLunchDairy Free

About this dish

Frankie chicken is a beloved Mumbai street food—a soft paratha or flatbread wrapped around spiced, juicy chicken along with tangy chutneys, fresh onions, and a squeeze of lime. The name 'Frankie' is said to come from a Persian-style kebab wrap popularized by street vendors in South Mumbai.

This recipe recreates the vibrant flavors at home: smoky chile-spiced chicken, cooling mint-coriander chutney, and the slight char from a hot skillet. It's a balanced, sour-sweet handheld meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacking.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

boneless skinless chicken thighs

protein

500 g

Imperial measurement: 1 lb 2 oz

plain yogurt

dairy

60 ml

Imperial measurement: ¼ cup

ginger-garlic paste

seasoning

1 tbsp

lemon juice

liquid

2 tsp

red chili powder

spice

1 tsp

turmeric powder

spice

½ tsp

cumin powder

spice

1 tsp

garam masala

spice

1 tsp

salt

seasoning

1 tsp

vegetable oil

fat

2 tbsp

onion

vegetable

1 large

green bell pepper

vegetable

1 medium

paratha or whole wheat tortillas

grain

8 pieces

mint-coriander chutney

other

120 ml

Imperial measurement: ½ cup

tamarind chutney

other

60 ml

Imperial measurement: ¼ cup

fresh cilantro

herb

2 tbsp

lime wedges

fruit

4 wedges

Method

1

Marinate the Chicken

PT20M

Cut chicken thighs into thin strips. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

2

Cook the Chicken

PT10M

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

3

Sauté the Vegetables

PT4M

In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened and lightly charred. Season with a pinch of salt.

4

Warm the Parathas

PT5M

In a separate dry skillet or on a tawa, warm each paratha or tortilla over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly spotted. Stack on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel.

5

Assemble the Frankie Wraps

PT6M

Lay a paratha flat. Spread a spoonful of mint-coriander chutney over the center. If using tamarind chutney, drizzle a little on top. Place a portion of cooked chicken and some sautéed vegetables in a line down the middle. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the filling. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining parathas.

6

Pan-Fry the Rolls (Optional)

P4M

For a crisp exterior, place each roll seam-side down in a lightly oiled hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Slice in half diagonally before serving.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board and knife

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
32 g
Protein
38 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
680 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes is essential for tender, flavorful meat, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
  • If you can't find fresh parathas, store-booked frozen parathas work well—just cook them according to package directions before assembling the wraps.
  • Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the red chili powder and adding green chilies to the chutney.
  • To keep the wraps from getting soggy, pat the cooked chicken dry before assembling and warm the parathas just before filling.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve the frankie warm with extra mint-coriander chutney on the side, along with a crisp salad or a bowl of yogurt raita.
  • For.
  • For a complete meal, pair with a chilled lassi or a light beer.

Rate this recipe

No ratings yet. Be the first to rate it.

Arjun Bhatia

Recipe by

Arjun Bhatia

Specialises in Indian cuisine

Arjun Iyer makes fish curry that uses coconut milk and tamarind. He is a balancing act.

Describe yourself in three words: Balanced, calm, sour-sweet.